Non-Muslim Wills in the UAE and DIFC
Wills for non-Muslim residents in Dubai and the UAE
If you are a non-Muslim resident of the UAE and you die without a registered will, UAE inheritance law may apply by default. This can produce outcomes very different from what you intended, particularly for spouses, daughters, and assets in foreign jurisdictions. A registered non-Muslim will solves this. Drafted correctly, it gives you full control over how your UAE assets are distributed.
Where non-Muslims can register a will in the UAE
DIFC Wills Service Centre
The DIFC Wills Service Centre is the most established framework for non-Muslim wills in the UAE. It is operated jointly by the DIFC Courts and the Government of Dubai. A DIFC will applies to assets located anywhere in the UAE and Ras Al Khaimah, and gives the testator full freedom of testamentary disposition under common law principles.
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)
Non-Muslim wills can also be registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department under the civil personal status framework for non-Muslims. This route works for residents of Abu Dhabi and for assets located in the emirate.
Dubai Courts non-Muslim wills register
Dubai Courts also operates a register for non-Muslim wills. The choice between DIFC, Dubai Courts, and ADJD depends on the client’s circumstances, residency, and the location of assets.
Types of non-Muslim wills we draft
- Full will: covering all UAE assets
- Property will: real estate only
- Financial assets will: bank accounts, investments
- Business will: shareholdings in UAE companies
- Guardianship will: for minor children
- Mirror wills: for spouses
- Multi-jurisdictional wills: coordinated with foreign counsel
What a non-Muslim will in the UAE covers
A registered non-Muslim will can cover real estate, bank accounts, investments, business shareholdings, vehicles, and personal property located in the UAE. It can appoint guardians for minor children and executors to administer the estate. It can specify clear distribution percentages and override default UAE inheritance rules.
How much does a non-Muslim will cost in the DIFC?
DIFC registration fees vary depending on whether the will is a full will or a limited will (such as a property-only or guardianship-only will). Legal drafting fees are charged separately. Lexorium provides a fixed-fee quote upfront, including coordination with the DIFC Wills Service Centre and registration support.
Frequently Ask Question
Do non-Muslims need a will in the UAE?
Yes. Without a registered will, UAE inheritance rules may apply by default, even for non-Muslim residents. This can produce outcomes very different from what you would choose, including for spouses, daughters, and foreign assets.
Is a DIFC will valid outside Dubai?
A DIFC will applies to assets located anywhere in the UAE and Ras Al Khaimah. For assets in other jurisdictions, a separate foreign will is usually advisable, coordinated to avoid conflict between documents.
Can I register a will in Abu Dhabi as a non-Muslim?
Yes. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department registers non-Muslim wills under the civil personal status framework. The DIFC and ADJD routes can coexist and are sometimes used together for different asset categories.
Can I include my foreign assets in a UAE will?
It is generally cleaner to have a UAE will for UAE assets and separate wills for assets in other jurisdictions, drafted to avoid revoking each other. We coordinate this with foreign counsel where required.
Can a will cover guardianship of children?
Yes. Guardianship of minor children can be specified in a UAE will. The DIFC Wills Service Centre offers a dedicated guardianship will. Without it, default guardianship rules may produce outcomes parents did not intend.
Speak to a wills lawyer in Dubai today
Confidential consultation. Fixed-fee drafting. Coordination with DIFC, Dubai Courts, or ADJD registration.